The Process

Photo credit: Run Wild Photography

First, are you eligible to get married?

The Requirements:

  • You must be of marriageable age

  • You must not be in a prohibited relationship

  • You must not already be married to someone else

  • You must both be consenting

So you tick all the boxes, and need to see if I’m free?

If I’m available on your ceremony date, we get to organise:

Our First Date :

Let’s set up a free, no-obligation meeting to chat more about what you want your special day to be like. This also gives us the opportunity to see if we're a match!

Photo credit: Will and Co Photography

Notice of Intended Marriage

The first legal paperwork to sign and have witnessed is the NOIM. You can have this witnessed and lodged directly with me at our follow up meeting, or you can have this witnessed by another authorised person [JP, GP, Police Officer, Solicitor, Notary Public, Minister of Religion or another Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant]. It can then be scanned and emailed to lodge it.

The NOIM must be lodged no later than 1 month before your ceremony date and no sooner than 18 months before your ceremony date.

I am also required to sight photo ID and proof of birth. Usually, a Passport will do the trick, but a combo of your Birth Certificate and Driver’s License is also great! If applicable, I may need to sight other ID documents such as proof of any prior marriages ending.

  • The temporary measure introduced during COVID to allow remote witnessing of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) ends on 31 December 2023. From 1 January 2024:

    • all new NOIMs must only be signed and witnessed in the physical presence of an authorised witness, and

    • a new NOIM signed and witnessed remotely ie, via any facility that enables audio and visual communication between persons in different places, will not be valid.

    There is currently a bill before Parliament seeking to make remote witnessing of the NOIM a permanent option. However, please note - it is not law (it is only a proposal at this time).

Photo credit: Benny Wylde

Ceremony Planning

A few months before your wedding day, I’ll ask you for all the juicy goss on your relationship; who you are, how you came to be, and what you’re looking forward to in your future together. I need to know who hogs the bed, who pours the beers, who’s the dog’s favourite - that’s some real marriage stuff right there!

We’ll also plan the flow and running order of your ceremony so it is perfectly ‘you’. There’s only a couple of things we are legally required to include, everything else is completely up to you! I love creating a balance of light-hearted fun and meaningful moments, so your ceremony reflects who you are as individuals, and together.

Rehearsal & Final Checks

The week of the wedding, we’ll get together for a final meeting / rehearsal to make sure everyone involved in your ceremony knows exactly what to do. This gives us the opportunity to finalise any details, calm any nerves, and sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (DONLIM).

The DONLIM is essentially your last little checkpoint to say “yep, we are who we say we are and there’s no reason we can possibly think of that would be an impediment to our marriage”.

Photo credit: Will and Co Photography

Ceremony Time!

Before you know it, your day has arrived! I’ll be there nice and early to set up my PA and mingle with your other vendors. We’re all working together to ensure your ceremony is amazing. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the legal requirements we’ll need to carry out during your ceremony :

  • During the ceremony, I say:

    “I am legally registered to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

  • You say your legal vows:

    “I call upon the people here present, to witness that I, [full name], take you, [full name], to be my lawful wedded [husband / wife / partner in marriage / spouse].”

    If traditions are your thing, you can put a ring on it and share personal vows here too!

  • Then, You + Me + The (two good-looking) Witnesses will sign the certificates:

    • 1 x Official Certificate of Marriage - for my records

    • 1 x Official Certificate of Marriage - for BDM

    • 1 x Commemorative Certificate of Marriage - for you

And just like that, you’re officially married sweethearts!

Photo credit: Rexvil Photography

Post Ceremony

After the ceremony, I finalise all your legal paperwork and send it off to BDM.

I will send you a link once your marriage is registered so you can apply for your Official Certificate of Marriage. There is a small administration fee charged by BDM on application.

The Official Certificate of Marriage is the document you will need for proof of marriage, for example, if either of you are wanting to change your name. The Commemorative Certificate that we signed during your ceremony, and you took home on the day, is not a proof of identity document. It’s just the pretty one that gets hung on your wall, next to your first kiss photo, for the next 50+ years!

Master of Ceremonies

In addition to celebrant services I also can act as the MC for your reception. I'll be the one to keep things running smoothly and make sure everyone has a blast! From introducing the wedding party to coordinating special moments like cake cutting and first dances, I've got it covered.

Plus, I'll keep the energy up with games and activities to get everyone involved. And when it's time to say goodbye, I'll send you off with heartfelt thanks and a memorable final dance.

Let's make your event unforgettable together!

Super easy!